Harper Lee Biographer In Madison

June 21, 2007|By -- CAROLE GOLDBERG

Charles J. Shields, who has written the first full-length biography of author Harper Lee, will visit R.J. Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison, today to talk about his book and the woman who inspired it.

Lee, at right, is the author of the beloved classic and Pulitzer Prize winner, ``To Kill a Mockingbird.'' While the reclusive Lee refused to work with Shields on his book and did not respond to his letters asking her to check facts, he was able to interview more than 600 people who knew Lee and had access to the archives of Lee's close friend, Truman Capote.

Though Lee did not cooperate, he wrote, he ``tried to balance her desire for privacy with the desire of her millions of readers who have long hoped for a respectful, informative view of this rarely seen author.''

He will speak at 7 p.m. about ``Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee'' (Holt Paperbacks, $15). The event is free, but seating is limited and reservations are recommended. For information, call 203-245-3959.